General

What time do I need to have my items out on my collection day?
All items should be placed at your curb by 7:00 a.m. on your collection date.

What should I do with my old computer or TV?NEW - Starting January 2013, unwanted electronics will no longer be accepted at the curb for disposal. Take them to the Household Hazardous Waste & Electronics Recycling Depot on Rodick Rd. just south of Miller Ave.

Can batteries go in the garbage?NEW - Starting January 2013, household batteries will no longer be accepted at the curb for disposal. Take them to any Markham Recycling Depot or the Household Hazardous Waste & Electronics Recycling Depot on Rodick Rd. just south of Miller Ave.

How do I dispose of confidential papers/bills?
Confidential papers/ bills and shredded paper go in the Green Bin.

Where do I put my bins when it snows?
Place your material at the end of your driveway. Do not place on top or behind snow banks.

When can I do a one-time clean up of unwanted materials like scrap metal and bulky items?
Spring and Fall Clean Up Days (formerly No Tag Days) are in May and September. Please follow the Waste Collection Schedule for your area.

Clear Bag

What is Markham's Clear Bag Program?
Starting April 30, 2013 we are asking Markham residents to switch from dark garbage bags to clear garbage bags. You can set out as many clear bags of non-recyclable/non-compostable garbage as you need. Good News! There will be no more 3 bag limit or bag tags required.

Do I have to use compostable bags in the Green Bin?
No. Any bag – paper, plastic or compostable can be used in your Green Bin.

When should I start using clear bags?
The program takes effect April 30, 2013. This gives residents time to use up their dark bags. After April 30th your left over dark garbage bags can be used to line your green bin.

What can I do with any extra dark bags I have left over after April 30, 2013?
You can use your dark garbage bags to line your green bin, which is collected every week! Dark garbage bags can be donated to local charities and churches that have many uses to reuse them (clothing storage and shipping etc).

Why is Markham changing from dark bags to clear bags?
Black garbage bags can hide a multitude of materials that should not be in the garbage such as toxic items - paint, solvents, batteries as well as recyclables. Progressive municipalities audit what is in residents garbage bags to improve waste management practices. Recent audits and audits performed by the province indicate high amounts of textiles, paint, household hazardous waste, food, paper, recyclables and thousands of household batteries are being sent for disposal.

Markham’s garbage is transitioning from being landfilled to being processed and incinerated to make and supply energy. For air quality issues, we have a responsibility to ensure our garbage does not contain potentially toxic materials such as batteries, electronics and any household hazardous materials. Clean waste means clean fuel and air for everyone!

Clear bags will aid our collectors to identify materials that are banned from disposal. Unfortunately, our collectors have been injured from hidden glass, nails, and other sharp items hidden in the dark bags. Using clear bags keeps our collectors safe from injuries.

Will someone be looking through my garbage?
No. Collectors will not be going through or opening your garbage bags.

Will clear bags cost more and where can I buy clear garbage bags?
No, clear garbage bags will be similar pricing as dark bags. Clear bags can also be used for your overflow organics. Clear bags can be purchased at any retail location that sells garbage bags starting spring 2013.

What about my privacy?
If you have security concerns, use small opaque bags (grocery bags) inside the clear bag or place your clear bag inside a garbage can. Reminder – items such as confidential papers/bills, tissues, soiled paper, feminine products go in your Green Bin which is collected weekly. Any bag – paper, plastic or compostable can be used in your Green Bin.

What if I use solid colour bags under my sink or throughout my home (i.e. grocery bags), can I tie them up and throw them in?
A limited number of small grocery bags are permitted within your clear bag. Your privacy is important to us; please remember that most bathroom waste (tissue, paper, feminine products) should be placed in your Green Bin.

What happens if I don't use clear bags as of the April 30, 2013 effective date?
Clear bags will help Markham identify residents who do not recycle or compost at all. After several reminders dark coloured garbage bags set out for collection may not be collected. Our priority is to encourage everyone to participate.

Can I use a clear bag for my recyclables?
No. Recyclables need to be loose in your Blue Box and not in plastic bags.

Can I use just a garbage can instead of a clear plastic bag?
No. Markham’s By-law, for health and safety purposes, has always required garbage to be contained in a bag and not loose in a garbage can. A garbage can (0.5 m x 0.9 m), less than 18 kg is acceptable. Starting April 30th, 2013 garbage must be contained in a clear bag not a dark coloured bag.

Do other communities use clear garbage bags?
Yes! The City of Guelph has had clear garbage bags for over 10 years! Other communities include: Dufferin Country, Grand Valley and the majority of communities in Nova Scotia and all of Prince Edward Island.

Why does Markham keep changing collection rules?
Waste management has had many changes over the years. Changes in collection services are a part of sustainable waste management system. Markham is now targeting 80% waste diversion by 2014, a target that if reached will position Markham residents as the best of the best in waste diversion.

Markham has seen many collection changes!

Markham used to have garbage collection twice a week!

In the 80’s - Introduction of the Blue Box. But you had to sort! And the collector had to sort on the truck into 6 streams

Then we had a weekly 3 bag limit – that’s 12 bags a month!

Several years ago Markham switched from plastic bags for yard waste to Kraft paper bags to make better compost

In 2005 Markham residents received a Green Bin

Garbage collection was reduced to every two weeks and 6 bags per month.

Garbage

What is the Clear Bag Program?New - Effective April 30, 2013, you must place your garbage in clear bags. There will be no more bag limits or tags required. You can set out unlimited clear bags of non-recyclable garbage. If you have security concerns, use a small opaque bag inside the clear bag or place your clear bag inside a garbage can. Bags containing a lot of recyclable material may not be collected. Reminder - confidential papers/bills go in the Green Bin.

Does renovation material get picked up with the garbage?
Renovation materials will not be collected at the curb and must be brought to Miller Transfer Station on Rodick Rd.
For more information phone 905-477-5530.

Can I put large appliances, like a fridge, at the curb for pick-up on collection day?
Large appliances are collected once a month by appointment only. Please call 905-477-5530 to book and pay for a collection appointment ($10.50/each appliance).

Can I put large, bulky items at the curb for pick-up on collection day?
Bulky items are collected every two weeks on your regular garbage day. A special collection appointment is not required.

When is my garbage picked up?
Garbage is collected every other week on your regular collection day. Please follow the Waste Collection Schedule for your area.

How should I dispose of objects with sharp edges?
Any object with sharp edges must be labeled "broken glass/ sharp object" and wrapped in cardboard or placed in a cardboard box to cover any exposed or sharp edges so that it is safe to handle.

Can wood be put out on my collection day?
Yes, as long as you do the following: Wood must be bundled and tied securely with rope or tape. Each bundle must be under 1.2 m in length and not heavier than 18 kg; Make sure the bundles of wood are safe to handle by removing all the nails or by hammering them in.

How do I set out carpet on garbage day?
Carpets must be rolled up and tied with rope or string. Make sure the rolled carpet is safe to handle, with no protruding nails or staples. Carpet rolls cannot be longer than 1.2 m in length or weigh more than 18 kg. Maximum 8 rolls per collection day.

Recycling

Can shredded paper be included in my blue box?
Shredded paper goes in the Green Bin. Excess can be put in a clear bag and placed beside Green Bin.

Do I put my recyclables in plastic bags?
No - recyclables should be loose in your Blue Box.

Can I recycle Styrofoam?
Styrofoam does not go in the Blue Box but can be recycled at any Markham Recycling Depot. Clean it! Bag it! Bring it!

How do I recycle my electronics?NEW - Starting January 2013, unwanted electronics and household batteries will no longer be accepted at the curb for disposal. Electronics can be recycled at the Household Hazardous Waste & Electronics Recycling Depot on Rodick Rd. just south of Miller Ave.

My Blue Box is damaged. Can it be replaced?
Broken or damaged Blue Boxes can be exchanged at any Markham Recycling Depot or the Markham Civic Centre at 101 Town Centre Blvd.

Where do I get a Blue Box?
Blue Boxes can be purchased at any Markham Recycling Depot, the Markham Civic Centre. and Angus Glen, Thornhill, Centennial and Milliken Mills Community Centres.

Organics

How do I dispose of pet waste?
Pet Waste and kitty litter can be placed in your Green Bin.

How do I set out additional organic material when it will not fit in my Green Bin?
If you have too much organic material for your Green Bin, you can put overflow organics at the curb in a clear plastic bag. You can also buy another Green Bin at any Markham Recycling Depot.

My Green Bin is damaged. Can it be replaced?
Broken or damaged Green Bins can be exchanged at any Markham Recycling Depot.

Should I take my Green Bin with me when I move?
No. Green Bins stay with the house when you leave.

Where do I get a Green Bin?
Green Bins can be purchased at Markham's Recycling Depots, and at the Angus Glen, Thornhill, Centennial and Milliken Mills Community Centres.

Yard Waste

Can grass clippings be put out as yard waste?
Markham does not collect grass clippings. Use a mulching lawnmower and leave grass clippings on your lawn. You can also recycle them in a backyard composter or bring them to the Public Drop-off Weekend Collection Centre.

Can branches be put out as yard waste?
Yes, if you follow these instructions: Place branches and brush out in string-tied bundles (no wire): Make sure each branch is 15cm or less in diameter and no longer than 1.2m; and, each bundle weighs less than 18kg.

When is yard waste picked up?
Leaf and Yard waste is collected every other week from late March to mid-December. Please follow the Waste Collection Schedule for your area.

What containers can be used for yard waste?
Place leaf and yard waste out for collection in biodegradable Kraft paper bags, open rigid containers or bushel baskets. Do not use any type of plastic bag.

What is the proper way to dispose of sod?
Small amounts of sod can be broken up and placed around the perimeter of your yard. Large amounts can be taken to the Bloomington Compost Site at 1351 Bloomington Road. For information, call 1-866-887-6457.